COVID-19 RESOURCES: CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE

The League of Independent Theater, the Indie Theater Fund, and IndieSpace have collaborated to bring you this list of resources for these uncertain times.

If you have a question that we don’t address here; or have particular insight into one of these programs; or have a great resource that we should include; or find that you need any additional assistance; please, feel free to reach out to us: info@litny.org.

Also, please reach out and let us know if you have experiences with any of these resources — we’d love to hear what worked, what didn’t, any any knowledge that might help the community take advantage.

Take care, stay home, & stay safe.

Last updated 5/254/2020 at 11:47 PM

Another Useful Guide: Resources for Small Businesses & Vendors in NYC by USB NYC.
Another Useful Guide: New York State’s Resource Finder.

What measures can I take to stay safe?

The World Heath Organization has a site detailing advice for the public, here.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19, or have tested positive, NYC has a portal to give information here.

CDC has a guide on making face masks at home (including methods that don’t require sewing), and an FAQ on how to care for them, here.

New York City is giving out masks at these location (map here).

I need food. Please help.

Three free meals a day are available at NYC Schools for all New Yorkers. Find a location here.

If you can’t get to schools to access food, NYC also offers Food Delivery Assistance to bring it to you. Details here.

World Central Kitchen is providing food relief: https://wck.org/news/ny-nj

Mark Morris Dance Center is offering free meals: https://markmorrisdancegroup.org/covid-19-update/

Museum of the Moving Image is as well: http://www.movingimage.us/visit/message

Staten Island has a map of food distribution: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?fbclid=IwAR2E652zd7kfqdOfOqFtsB6hSsLvYi5Kj37STzpcyoCRM_gkbxBd-9w_Sls&mid=1QNiX_XGJYd4xWb-67UGi1QgkRuRpuHnn&ll=40.580761699448914%2C-74.24117992960305&z=11

NYC United Against Coronavirus has food and other immediate need resources: http://bit.ly/nyccoronavirus

You can sign up for SNAP (Food Stamps)or Cash Assistance (CA) here: https://a069-access.nyc.gov/accesshra/

There are also mutual aid societies helping to deliver food and provide other needed resources. If you use Slack, here’s a list of neighborhood specific ones:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YLyx3PeknYSkGt26JJeGQRvBg6poJntBGRQNeZup-2Q/edit#gid=0

Another source for mutual aid societies (nationwide) is It’s Going Down: https://itsgoingdown.org/c19-mutual-aid/

I can’t pay rent, and am having trouble with my landlord. What do I do?

Right to Counsel NYC Coalition has a clear FAQ about what to do if you can’t pay rent or are experiencing other landlord trouble: https://www.righttocounselnyc.org/faq_i_can_t_pay_rent_because_of_covid_19

Housing Court Answers has a hotline, and a FAQ: http://housingcourtanswers.org/answers/covid-19-resources/

Recently, NYC passed a law guaranteeing a right to counsel in housing courts. Although not yet fully implemented, look to see if you qualify for counsel: https://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/housing/freeLawyerQualify.shtml

Furthermore, if you are over 60 and are facing action in housing course, you qualify for the Assigned Counsel Program for Seniors: http://www.nycourts.gov/COURTS/nyc/civil/pdfs/acp_brochure.pdf

Do you need protection from landlord harassment or need to compel repairs? Check out JustFix.nyc to walk you through starting a case: https://app.justfix.nyc/en/ehp/splash

I’m an indie artist; how do I get help?

There are a number of different resources to investigate; we’ve linked a few below.

Firstly, here is a list of funds giving emergency grants:

  • 5/25/2020 - Bushwick Starr’s Pet Project grant: Details Here.

  • Artist Relief is distributing $5000 grants to individual artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19. Details here.

  • The Actors Fund is partnering with multiple other entertainment industry orgs to provide emergency assistance grants for stage/film workers (both on-screen and off). There are different requirements for each fund, and applicants may be eligible for more than one. Details for all grants here.

  • The Dramatists Guild Foundation is offering grants to help playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists in need. Apply here.

Grants that are no longer open are at the bottom of this site in case they reopen.

You can list your lost income on I Lost My Theatre Gigs.com to appeal for direct donations using this form.

Another list of resources is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RP-aVII17CWnBm-3wmPgHbI9nEFoW3s2oLMkF9ulaac/edit#heading=h.77uusebtul6c

This is an exhaustive list of resources for freelance artists faced with loss of work and income due to covid-19: https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/

Trupo Partners has a mutual aid circle maintaining this Google doc of resources: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRe7gYywGTcJsWFvjmh-Jo95Ks-1zU2Aie1xPXQH-kUzh90aclW2tWEEYajUcLp0DwOazt_wgEKEuUO/pubhtml?utm_source=Freelancers+Union+List&utm_campaign=79958a8d1f-Trupo-4-20-2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_de7ca13e56-79958a8d1f-107398760&mc_cid=79958a8d1f&mc_eid=3dca7d0277#

Creative Capital is also maintaining a list of nationwide funds and grants: https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/

NYC United Against Coronavirus has non-arts specific funds and other immediate need resources: https://bit.ly/nyccoronavirus

Sarah Benvenuti of Benvenuti Arts has compiled a long list or Funds that can be applied for in a Google Spreadsheet, available here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iNLN1klx2go_KdiSFZhXvgCWtFseZXY4l1b6r5vqNWM/edit#gid=0

More resources are available from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcla/resources/coronavirus-dcla.page

I lost my job (art or “survival”), and can’t get through to apply for unemployment.

We’ve heard multiple horror stories about impossible wait times on the phone, and websites crashing. As of Friday, April 10, the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) has launched a new, streamlined, and more reliable online application system at labor.ny.gov. 

This site ALSO includes help for those who wouldn’t traditionally be eligible for unemployment (such as freelancers, 1099 employees, etc.), thanks to provisions from the Federal CARES Act.

Take note: the Department of Labor is calling from 508-704-2704. If someone is calling who purports to be from the Department of Labor, they should have knowledge of when you first filed, so you can verify that you aren’t being called by a scammer.

New York State Assembly Members and State Senators have been advising constituents who are still having difficulties with the unemployment process to contact them. Find your representative here.

I haven’t gotten my stimulus check yet. How can I find out what’s going on?

Some have received their stimulus check; others have not. If you have not, the IRS has launched a portal where you can 1) check on the status of a stimulus check, 2) file to get the stimulus check if you have not recently filed taxes. Access it here.

Note: we’ve heard anecdotally from many people that the status is unavailable for days, and then suddenly becomes accessible; in other cases that it has displayed the wrong amount. Keep checking back.

I need work. Where can I look?

This collaborative document has collected together resources for remote working (e.g. transcription, teaching, etc.).

I have an indie company; can my company get help?

Consult the list of funds and grants above (under “artists”) - many of them may also apply to companies.

The New York Community Trust is offering both loans and grants for 501(c)3 organizations in good standing who are facing budgeting issues due to covid-19. Apply here. (Update 4/26/20: Grants appear to be exhausted; loans are still available)

The Nonprofit Finance Fund is issuing loans to nonprofits in New York in need of financial assistance. Apply here.

NYC Small Business Services has a listing of small business loans available for impacted organizations. Please be cautious when evaluating whether loans are the right fit for your situation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a number of loans available (UPDATE 4/26/20: A new round of funding has been added, but will likely be claimed quickly.)

  •  Find resource partners and counselors at sba.gov/local-assistance

  • Paycheck Protection Program

    • Intended to keep workers on staff and cover 8 weeks of payroll expenses, rent, utilities, or mortgage interest

    • Maximum $10 million loan, forgivable if 75% or more used toward payroll costs

    • If not forgiven, 1% interest loan across 24 months

    • Program is administered by lenders

    • Freelance workers and sole proprietors are eligible to apply

    • Find a lender at sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

    • Follow up on status of your application by contacting your lender

    • Freelancer’s Union has a blog on how to calculate the forgiveness amount here.

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan

    • Maximum $2 million loan, 3.75% interest across 30 years

    • Federal government is the direct lender

    • Freelance workers and sole proprietors are eligible to apply

    • Advance can be up to $10,000, based on number of employees

    • Follow up on status of your application by calling 800-659-2955

    • You may appeal if you have been declined

  • Express Bridge Loan

    • Up to $25,000 which can be used while applying for EIDL loan

    • Must be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from EIDL loan

In City Council District 39 (Park Slope, Kensington, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park) you can also apply for zero interest loans from the Small Business Loan Fund.

Legal assistance for small business owners is available from City Bar Justice Center: https://www.citybarjusticecenter.org/covid-19-small-business-remote-legal-clinic/

Legal assistance for companies with fewer than five employees from Columbia University Law Students is available. Contact Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer at: gbrewer@manhattanbp.nyc.gov

Facebook has a Small Business Grants program for for-profit companies, with a mix of $2500 cash and $1500 optional FB ad credit: https://apply.facebook.ureeka.biz/prog/facebook_smb_3/

I run an indie venue; can we get help?

IndieSpace has been providing support for venues dealing with landlord issues. To become a part of the IndieSpace Advisory and Consulting program, which provides FREE support to venues email randi@indiespace.org

See also the list of resources available to indie companies; most are available for venues as well.

I’m an immigrant and am not sure what resources are available to me.

The Mayor’s Office on Immigrant Affairs has an immigrant worker focused list of resources and updates. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/help/city-services/resources-for-immigrant-communities-during-covid-19-pandemic.page

I have a disability and am not sure what resources are available to me.

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has a focused list of resources and updates: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/mopd/resources/covid-19-resources-for-people-with-disabilities.page

I’m totally lost, and need some help discussing what my next steps should be as an artist navigating this crisis. Can I talk to someone?

Sarah Benvenuti of Benvenuti Arts is offering free 30-minute consultations by phone. Sign up here.

Pentacle is providing Financial Urgent Care, apply here - first come first serve.

New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs is offering free financial counseling through their NYC Financial Empowerment Center (not arts specific).

The Muslim Community Network has a COVID-19 Response Hotline (not arts specific): 888-409-0036.

Creative Capital has released a video on the financial implications for creative individuals.

What can I stream/record to share with the public, legally?

If your production or project includes members of any of the artists’ unions, you should check with the union to be sure that streaming or recording a performance is permitted. We’ve included what we’ve learned from several unions below; if you know more about union agreements and streaming for this period of physical distancing, please share that information with us. 

- Actors Equity Association

AEA has issued temporary streaming rules for these physical distancing times. Producers who previously were working under a different code should contact their Equity Representative to see whether they can quality, and under what terms. A press release from AEA on these temporary rules is available here: https://www.actorsequity.org/news/PR/March18/

- The Dramatists Guild

The Dramatists Guild is reminding their members that:

a) the author must give permission for any streaming effort; and,

b) they’re encouraging their members to be sure that those permissions have an end-date

…in addition to some other ideas to protect their members’ works. Check out more covid-19 related resources here: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/covid-19-resources

- SAG-AFTRA

While the union is offering a lot of resources to its membership—safety guidelines, unemployment assistance, mental health resources, and more, available at https://www.sagaftra.org/news-events/news/covid-19—it does not seem to us at the moment that any codes/contracts have changed as a direct result of the pandemic. We have heard anecdotally that the union has been helpful arranging new media contracts for projects that were previously intended to be live.

My employer isn’t being flexible during the crisis — what are the laws?

The New York City Office of Consumer Affairs outlines the rules (including specific to freelancers) here: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/workers/worker-rights.page

I completed a freelance project and am not being paid

Freelancers in New York City have a right to be paid timely and in full, under the Freelance Isn’t Free act of 2017. This article walks through the act in detail and how to protect your rights: https://paymenyc.com/freelance-isnt-free/

I need help navigating all the technology of remote collaboration and streaming

Sertus Partners is offering free consultations on how to engage in purposeful, productive remote work - schedule here.

Creative Capital have released a workshop on livestreaming for artists.

What if we’re considering reopening?

The Event Safety Alliance has put together a guide on things to consider if you’re considering reopening: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide

If you’ve made it this far, consider sharing your experiences to help power the advocacy

We know that just making it through this crisis is time consuming, and you’re likely filling out plenty of forms just to get access to funding. But if you do have a few minutes, there’s a few organizations that are gathering information about the crisis as part of their advocacy or strategy efforts.

The following resources are marked as closed, but we are leaving them here in case they reopen:

The Indie Theater Fund is offering Rapid Relief Grants of up to $500 to indie theatre artists, companies, and venues. Details here.

The Crip Fund is pooling money for chronically ill, disabled, and immunocompromised people in serious financial need. Details here.

For LGBTQI+ BIPOC, there’s the COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund. Details here.

NYC Low-Income Artist/Freelancer Relief Fund. Apply here.

The Freelancers Union has a Relief Fund for freelancers to cover lost income, in support of food, utilities, and cash assistance. Apply here.

5/1/2020 - Grants for Parent Artists from Abrons Art Center: Details here.

5/7/2020 - Emergency Grants for artists from Abrons Art Center: Details here.

5/8/2020 - Dance/NYC COVID-19 Dance Relief Fund for Freelance Dance Workers and Dancemaking Organizations: Details here.